BMC okays Mumbai Marathon

Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has given its nod to the organisers of Mumbai Marathon to hold the event on Sunday. The move has come after the organisers deposited the fee of Rs 1.05 crore to the civic body.

The Bombay high court a few days ago had directed the BMC to grant permission to marathon organisers to hold the event, subject to payment of Rs 1.05 crore as fees. The charges include Rs 79 lakh as a security deposit and Rs 26 lakh towards advertisement fee and other charges.

“The marathon organisers paid the amount of  through the demand draft couple of days ago and submitted the receipts to the BMC. Accordingly, on Saturday we gave them permission to hold the event. All regular municipal services will be provided to them,” said Kiran Dighavkar, assistant municipal commissioner, A ward.

The HC verdict is an interim measure, and the decision on this will be taken after the final ruling. As per the court directives, the organisers will either have to pay additional money, or they will get the deposit back, he added.

Last year, the event management firm Procam International, organisers of Mumbai Marathon, had moved the court, saying the BMC was charging exorbitant rates for the marathon. However, the BMC had claimed that marathon has not remained “a mere sports event,” but instead has become a “full-fledged commercial activity”.

“We have paid the amount as per the court directives. We are now awaiting the final court decision on the matter,” said Arvind Reddy, co-ordinator, Procam International.